Rockgut Clan
Across the windswept face and within the depths of southern-most mountains of Twin-tail Peaks, reside the Rockgut Clan of Bhag Boldor. They are a small, young Clan and Stronghold in comparison to the surviving Strongholds, Clans, and Families and it is this comparable youth that sets the Rockguts apart from their predecessors and contemporaries.
Taking a page from the roving nomads of the Raja'ri Territories, footfalls can be heard and symbols can be seen far from the shadows of Bhag Boldor, the Rockgut Clan is, and has been, a bastion of un-conventionalism and has always stood apart from the standard norms in the Dwarven culture of Kalbela. Known for their prowess as skilled warriors and renowned mercenaries, the Rockgut Clan's roots can be traced back to a time of upheaval, shortly after one of the last wrecking’s of The Sundering, when the Spine of Salazar was truly broken and entire Dwarven Strongholds, Clans, and Families were wiped from lands.
A group of ambitious dwarves were forced to break free from the rigid traditions that governed their kinfolk, those who stayed idle in their great strongholds and watched on as the mountains quite literally crumbled around and atop them. The first apostates led by their to-be Lord, Huerdan Rockgut, whom many considered a heretic by the Iron Head Clan, his ancestral family, for saying they needed to flee the Spine of Salazar.
Southward, he and his band of a few hundred wandered across the vast grasslands and plains of the Raja’ri Territories in search of a new home where they could forge their own path. They would finally settle and begin to construct their new stronghold that they carved into the face opposite of the Gorge of Storms. Bhag Boldor, it became the seat of the Rockgut Clan's power, while the gorge, the mountains, and the surrounding plains became the training ground for their skilled warriors.
Unlike the more traditional Dwarven clans that valued mining and craftsmanship, the Rockgut Clan dedicated themselves to the art of war, honing their combat skills and developing innovative battle tactics. The Rockgut Clan's warriors were renowned for their discipline, ferocity, and adaptability on the battlefield.
The Rockgut Clan quickly gained a reputation as formidable mercenaries and soldiers of fortune. Their services were sought after by kingdoms, warlords, and even secretive organizations in need of skilled warriors. They became renowned for their unwavering loyalty, professionalism, and willingness to take on the most perilous missions. Within the walls of Bhag Bodor, the Rockgut Clan forged a culture that celebrated martial excellence as Huerdan Rockgut, was a visionary leader. He encouraged his people to embrace individuality, valuing personal skills and talents over adherence to rigid traditions. This departure from "standard Dwarven norms" fostered a sense of creativity and adaptability within the clan.
The Rockgut Clan's society is organized around the principle of meritocracy. Skill, competence, and bravery were the currency that earned respect and advancement within the clan. A warrior's worth was determined by their deeds on the battlefield rather than their lineage or wealth. Aspiring leaders and warriors are put through rigorous training and combat trials to prove their mettle. Yet, despite their martial focus, the Rockgut Clan has maintained a balance between war and the pursuit of other arts. They still embrace the beauty of craftsmanship, albeit with a far more practical approach. Their weapons and armor are expertly crafted to withstand the rigors of battle, bearing intricate engravings that told stories of heroic feats and victories.
While outside the battlefield, the Rockgut Clan still foster a strong sense of camaraderie and unity with those they meet. They celebrate their victories with feasts, boasting contests, and storytelling sessions that preserve the heroic tales of their warriors. Songs of valor and battle echo through the halls of Bhag Bodor and across Kalbela, as the clan revels in the glory of their accomplishments. The Rockgut Clan's reputation as elite mercenaries attracts a diverse array of warriors to fight alongside them; their open-minded nature set them apart from their more traditional brethren, fostering an environment of cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Over time, the Rockgut Clan's impact on the world grew. Members of their clan have played a significant role in shaping the outcomes of battles, wars, alliances, and maintaining a fairly independent balance of power within the Territories. Their code of honor, unwavering loyalty, and fearsome reputation as tacticians have made them sought-after allies and formidable foes. It is difficult for one to find a corner of the continent that one Rockgut or another has not touched or a beast they have not seen, for they seem to be one of they most-attuned groups to the Raja'ri lifestyle
Type
Geopolitical, Clan
Capital
Government System
Meritocracy
Economic System
Mixed economy
Parent Organization
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
